Narratives are universally used for mediating emotional…
““Narratives are universally used for mediating emotional experiences. The purpose of aesthetic objects has been defined, in part, as 'the awakening, intensifying, or maintaining of definite emotional states' (Lee, 1913: 99–100). When we read or hear stories, we put aside our own goals and plans, and we temporarily replace our own goals and plans with those of the story characters.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Stories mediate emotions, allowing us to set aside personal goals and experience characters' emotional states.
In simple terms: Stories let us feel others' emotions.
Key Takeaway
Use narratives for emotional insight.
Themes
narratives
emotion
storytelling
psychology
aesthetics
mediation
Mood
engaging
reflective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- reading groups
- therapy
- creative writing
Key Concepts
empathy
cognitive framing
affective response
Questions to Reflect On
- How do stories reshape your emotions?
- What narrative techniques enhance empathy?
A Different Perspective
Over‑identification can blur self‑identity.